Donaghmore-Knockea
Churches

Before the present church in Knockea, there was a church on Knockea hill,
which was built around 1780. Westropp includes a place called Kilpatrick
which is 'on the east border of Donaghmore and distinct from Rathurd and
Ardpatrick'. Where this church (if it was a church because Westropp does
not specify) was situated is unknown.

Lenihan's "History of Limerick" mentions an old church in Caherivahala.
"The Rich Land" by Spellissy & O'Brien, mentions a church
in Cahervally, of which only ruins remained in the 1840s. These churches
may be one and the same church.

Westropp, in his "Survey of the Ancient Churches in the County of
Limerick" says that the church in Cahervally was dedicated to St
Thomas the Apostle in 1410. The saint's feastday is on December 21st.

The old church in Cahervally is in Raheen graveyard, in
the townland of Raheen. This was the church of St Thomas. Westropp measured
it as 60 feet by 21 ½ feet. The walls were 9 feet high and 2 feet
9 inches thick. This was where the monks in Friarstown attended Mass.

Begley measured the church ruin in Donaghmore as 39 ½
feet by 26 feet and the walls as about 11 feet high. According to local
tradition, St Patrick founded a church on this site during a visit to
the area.

All that remains of the church ruin in Cahernorry is the
belfry tower that was part of the church. The church was dedicated to
St Nicholas in 1410. In the 18th century, mass was said in a timber church
on the site. The church was rebuilt by the Church of Ireland in 1809 and
was dismantled and rebuilt in Ballyneety in 1862.

In the belfry tower, there is now a statue to Mary. There is also a plaque
that states that the Restoration was carried out in 1993 and that the
plaque is to the late Paddy Wade from the volunteer workers.

Rathuaird (now spelt as Rathurd) was an ancient parish that was divided
up between the parishes of St Nicholas and Donaghmore. There was a church
here and there was also a church in Kilprichane, which was near Rathuaird
South. According to "An Antique and Storied Land" by Thomas
Toomey and Harry Greensmyth, the ruins of the church were to be seen on
the lands of Tom Hickey.

Kyltaroge, which is also mentioned by Westropp, is near Lickadoon. However,
he does not specify whether this is a church or a burial ground. Westropp
also mentions Maynchro church, which was named with Mungret and Rathurd
in 1239.